Forgiveness is the vehicle for changing our perceptions, and letting go of our fears, condemning judgments, and grievances.

What is foriveness?1. It means giving full pardon to the person who has wronged you.2. A canceling of debt.3. Provides for a new beginning.4. It is the key that unlocks the door of resentment, bitterness, and hatred.

Forgiveness then becomes a process of letting go, and overlooking whatever we thought other people may have done to us, or whatever we may think we have done to them.

When we cherish grievances, we allow our mind to be fed by fear, and we become imprisoned by these distortions.Resentment, and bitterness have been known to cause a plethora of physical illnesses.The unforgiving mind, contrasted with the forgiving mind, is confused, afraid and full of fear.It is certain of the justification of its’ anger, and the correctness of its condemning judgment.

The unforgiving mind rigidly sees the past and future as the same and is resistent to change. It doesn’t want the future to be different from the past.

The unforgiving mind sees itself as innocent, and others as guilty. It thrives on conflict and on being right.

The benefits of forgiveness are:1. It is essential to personal healing2. It brings peace of mind3. It destroys your enemies-when you make them your friends4. It can heal every broken family

Forgiveness is the 1st step towards liberation.

Only through forgiveness can your release from fear and anguish be complete. Forgiveness ends all suffering and loss.

“Decide to Forgive”

Decide to forgiveFor resentment is negativeResentment is poisonousResentment diminishesAnd devours the self.Be the first to forgiveTo smile and take the first step.And you will see happiness bloomOn the face of your humanbrother or sister.Be always the first.Do not wait for others to forgiveFor by forgiving,You become the master of fate,The fashioner of life.The door of miracles.To forgive is the highest,Most beautiful form of love.In return you will receiveUntold peace and happiness.-unknown

Sunday-Forgive yourselfMonday-Forgive your familyTuesday-Forgive your friends and associatesWednesday-Forgive across economic lines within your own nationThursday-Forgive across cultural lines within your own nationFriday-Forgive across political lines within your own nationSaturday-Forgive other nationsOnly the brave know how to forgive. A coward never forgives. It is not his nature.-unknown

George Roemisch’s poem “Forgiveness”-”Forgiveness is the fragrance of the violet which still clings fast to the heel that crushed it.”

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; Forgive them anyway.-Mother Theresa